Detroit Pistons forward Blake Griffin (23) sets up a play during the first half against Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr. (13) during the first half at FedExForum. Justin Ford, USA TODAY Sports

Detroit Pistons head coach Dwane Casey has a word with the game official in the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Memphis Grizzlies, Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2019, in Memphis, Tenn. Karen Pulfer Focht, AP

In two earlier games on the four-game trip which concludes (at Indiana and Milwaukee), the Pistons were crushed by points in the paint.

And the Grizzlies have veteran playmakers in Gasol and point guard Mike Conley.

Gasol scored 11 points on 4-for-10 shooting and had three assists, which is less than his 4.4 assist per game average.

Conley had a horrific game, going scoreless in 28 minutes on 0-for-8 shooting. He only had one assist – he averages 6.3 per game.

The defensive stands started with pressure on the Grizzlies’ decision makers.

“The most important thing was pressuring the passer,” Pistons coach Dwane Casey said. “They are a great passing team. Gasol is one of the best in the league in the high post. He’s very different than a point guard because you have your big guy (out to defend Gasol), now when they cut backdoor or (get a) layup, they are away from the rim.

CLOSE

The Pistons coach addresses the media after the Detroit Pistons' 101-94 win over the Memphis Grizzlies in Memphis on Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2019.
Detroit Free Press

“That’s why it’s so important to get pressure on the top of the key or at the elbow.”

Casey told the team at halftime the game would be decided at the defensive end.

The team responded, holding the Grizzlies to 12 points in the third quarter.

“I didn’t know it was 12 points, but we did a great job of staying with our principles and we were fortunate enough to hold them to 12,” Jackson said. “We made them take some tough shots, but we were fortunate they missed some shots.”

Ex-MSU standout draws raves

Grizzlies rookie Jaren Jackson Jr., a former Michigan State standout, was impactful with 26 points and 10 rebounds before fouling out.

It was apparent that the youngster earned Griffin and Drummond respect.

During a battle for a loose ball, Drummond swung his elbow to fend off Jackson, but he inadvertently connected with the rookie’s face.

Locker room fireworks

The Athletic’s Shams Charania reports there was a physical altercation between Garrett Temple and Omri Casspi.

The Memphis Grizzlies' emotional team meeting after loss to Detroit tonight turned physical in an altercation between veterans Garrett Temple and Omri Casspi in locker room, league sources tell @TheAthleticNBA@WatchStadium.